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Welsh social housing to embrace passive house, timber & life cycle assessment

The Welsh government has issued a new standard for social housing that requires an embodied carbon assessment, favours timber-based offsite construction, and bans fossil fuel boilers.

Find out more >>

SME Builders face huge costs to prove Biodiversity gain

Artificial intelligence should be harnessed to work out biodiversity net gain for sites of 50 homes or less, urges the National Federation of Builders, NFB.The call follows the government’s consultation released today on restoring ecological loss during housing construction and delivering a ten per cent boost on biodiversity post-development.

Learn more >>

Global Centre of rail excellence (GCRE)

GCRE is a special purpose vehicle being established by the Welsh Government in partnership with Celtic Energy, Powys County Council and Neath and Port Talbot County Borough Council. 

Read more >>

Sector Lead for Wales – David Emery reflects on the progress of the standards for social housing in Wales and  embodied carbon. Click here to view the blog post.

February’s Featured Topic: Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme is an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone. Promoting a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect brings many business benefits to the companies that work to achieve it.

Start your learning on the topic of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) with the handpicked resources below:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Template

A document to assist small businesses in writing their EDI policy.

Access the document>>

CIPD Good Work Index

The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives. Measures of GDP and employment rates are important, but we also need to understand whether the jobs we have are good or poor and how they can be improved.

Learn more>>

Developing A Diversity Communication Strategy

Communication is Vital. This weblink looks at communication, ensuring that it is inclusive, it’s diverse and that you’re thinking about people.

Find out more>>

Due Diligence in Combatting Modern Slavery in Wales

Join us on the 22nd March from 12:00am -13:00pm on Zoom Webinars at our Due Diligence in Combatting Modern Slavery in Wales Lunch ‘n’ Learn.  This session will provide an  understanding of what modern slavery is, the risks of slavery within the supply chain and will look at what due diligence processes should look like for your organisation in order to combat labour exploitation.

By attending this session you will:

  • Identify and create a policy and strategy that outlines your organisations approach to combatting exploitation
  • Understand the principles of risk assessments focusing on labour exploitation and the role supply chain mapping plays in addressing the risks
  • Adapt procurement strategies that will allow you to address exploitation concerns or respond to client requirements

REGISTER NOW>

Top stories

Work to safefguard HS2’s eastern branch route to continue, minster confirms

Work to protect land that would be required to build the HS2 branch to Leeds is ongoing despite the government confirming it would not be continuing with the route in full.

Find out more >>

Firms gear up to bid for Scape’s £4bn civils frameworks

Scape has unveiled plans for two civil engineering frameworks worth a combined £4bn – almost twice the value of its current deals.

Learn more >>

Sizewell C decision could be delayed after minister agrees extension

The government’s decision over whether a new nuclear reactor on the Suffolk coast will be built, could be delayed.The announcement on Sizewell C should be made in April, but an expert team has asked for a six-week extension to prepare a report.

Read more >>

February’s Featured Topic: Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme is an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone. Promoting a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect brings many business benefits to the companies that work to achieve it.

Start your learning on the topic of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) with the handpicked resources below:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Template

A document to assist small businesses in writing their EDI policy.

Access the document>>

CIPD Good Work Index

The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives. Measures of GDP and employment rates are important, but we also need to understand whether the jobs we have are good or poor and how they can be improved.

Learn more>>

Developing A Diversity Communication Strategy

Communication is Vital. This weblink looks at communication, ensuring that it is inclusive, it’s diverse and that you’re thinking about people.

Find out more>>

Exploiting Digital in FM Conference

Active Plan, Hexagon, Sunbelt Rentals, UWS

Join us on the 22nd February from 10:00am -12:00pm on Zoom Webinars at our Exploiting Digital in FM Conference. This session will examine how digital data and technologies are helping Real Estate to become more safe, productive and sustainable.

Speakers Include: Active PlanHexagonSunbelt Rentals andUniversity of West Scotland & Conexa

By attending this session you will:

  • Hear from experts about the importance of good quality data in the aftermath of Grenfell
  • Understand how to simulate maintenance and safety procedures in the buildings you manage or supply to
  • Recognise what tools and innovations are ‘just around the corner’
  • Learn how to quantify the benefits and risks of digital innovations

REGISTER NOW>

Top stories

Broadening the scope

Anthony Ainsworth, COO at npower Business Solutions explains why Scope 3 needs to be on your sustainability agenda.

Find out more >>

Why I lobbied for the sachet ban by Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet

Last week Whitehall announced it is to ban plastic food sachets. The move can’t come a moment too soon and is something A Plastic Planet has campaigned on for years.

Learn more >>

The Human Touch

FMJ’s Sara Bean talks with Environmental Psychologist and Workplace Strategist Dr Nigel Oseland about the decades of research behind his new book and why an understanding of the psychology of the workplace is essential as we embrace new ways of working.

Read more >>

February’s Featured Topic: Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme is an industry-wide initiative that aims to make workplaces better for everyone. Promoting a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect brings many business benefits to the companies that work to achieve it.

Start your learning on the topic of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) with the handpicked resources below:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Template

A document to assist small businesses in writing their EDI policy.

Access the document>>

CIPD Good Work Index

The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives. Measures of GDP and employment rates are important, but we also need to understand whether the jobs we have are good or poor and how they can be improved.

Learn more>>

Developing A Diversity Communication Strategy

Communication is Vital. This weblink looks at communication, ensuring that it is inclusive, it’s diverse and that you’re thinking about people.

Find out more>>

Exploiting Digital in FM Conference

Active Plan, Hexagon, Sunbelt Rentals, UWS

Join us on the 22nd February from 10:00am -12:00pm on Zoom Webinars at our Exploiting Digital in FM Conference. This session will examine how digital data and technologies are helping Real Estate to become more safe, productive and sustainable.

Speakers Include: Active PlanHexagonSunbelt Rentals andUniversity of West Scotland & Conexa

By attending this session you will:

  • Hear from experts about the importance of good quality data in the aftermath of Grenfell
  • Understand how to simulate maintenance and safety procedures in the buildings you manage or supply to
  • Recognise what tools and innovations are ‘just around the corner’
  • Learn how to quantify the benefits and risks of digital innovations

REGISTER NOW>

The transition to net zero, delivering biodiversity net gain, working towards a more circular economy, delivering social value and combatting modern slavery are just some of the challenges faced by our industry, and groundworkers have a pivotal role to play.

In collaboration with the School’s Construction Leadership Group, we’ve developed a new beginner level learning pathway, alongside other industry clients, main contractors and trade contractors, which is designed to help groundworks companies address those high priority issues.

The pathway is being endorsed by over 20 main contractors and clients, all encouraging their groundworks supply chain to complete the pathway to ensure we reach a consistent level of understanding on these issues across the trade, and are equipped to tackle them. As a beginner level pathway, it explains what the issues are, why they’re important, and gives hints and practical tips on how to address them.

Want to find out more? Take a look at the pathway and start learning here: ENROL NOW

This pathway is endorsed by:

 

 

 

We are pleased to announce that SIG plc has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

SIG plc has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome SIG plc on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that GGR Group has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

GGR Group has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome GGR Group on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that Amco Giffen has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Amco Giffen has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome Amco Giffen on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that ACO Technologies has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

ACO Technologies has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome ACO Technologies on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that Unipart Rail has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Unipart Rail has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome Unipart Rail on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

Top stories

Zero Carbon Hospital being planned by NHS Lanarkshire 

NHS Lanarkshire is planning a £500m new hospital in Wester Moffat on the outskirts of Airdrie in Scotland. This will be the first in Scotland to be designed as fully net zero for both the build and operation phases.

Find out more >>

New Office Development For Carrick Square, Glasgow

Initial plans have been brought forward for a major office building on a site in Glasgow’s Broomielaw office district. Mosaic Architecture & Design has submitted an application for planning in principle to erect the second phase of planned office development at Carrick Street.

If approved, the 17-storey office block will be situated behind the 14-storey phase one building, with construction due to start on that in the first half of 2022.

Learn more >>

£1.3bn Edinburgh Waterfront Scheme Seeks MMC Expert as Development Partner 

The City of Edinburgh Council is looking for a development partner to start a major new regeneration of part of its waterfront. The £170-£190m first phase of the overall Granton Waterfront project requires expertise in sustainability and modern methods of construction.

440 private homes, 200 council homes, 2,000 square metres of private commercial space and 1,000 square metres of public-sector space are being planned, connected by sustainable transport infrastructure and served by low-carbon energy projects.

Read more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

New Sustainability Supply Chain & Stakeholder Workshops announced by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)

As a principal partner of COP26, one of SSEN’s key goals is to build a legacy through their involvement with this crucial summit to create a cleaner, greener future for all of us.

Part of that commitment is to bring industry together who are already powering change through the work they are doing to make net zero a reality.

As such SSEN are supporting industry on the transition to net zero by offering the Climate Academy, a series of six online learning sessions available to charities and businesses across their licence areas.  In partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the Climate Academy will provide a rich knowledge and understanding of climate change issues and what we can do to address them.

Starting on 26 January 2022, the sessions will share insight on safeguarding and enhancing the environment, with an emphasis on education and awareness of climate change. There will also be a strong focus on social inclusion, and creating a more fair, just and inclusive society at local, national and international levels.

The sessions will be “Lunch and Learn” hour long sessions, taking place 12:00pm -13:00pm on the following dates:

Register using the links above to secure your place!

Top stories

Zero Carbon Hospital being planned by NHS Lanarkshire 

NHS Lanarkshire is planning a £500m new hospital in Wester Moffat on the outskirts of Airdrie in Scotland. This will be the first in Scotland to be designed as fully net zero for both the build and operation phases.

Find out more >>

New Office Development For Carrick Square, Glasgow

Initial plans have been brought forward for a major office building on a site in Glasgow’s Broomielaw office district. Mosaic Architecture & Design has submitted an application for planning in principle to erect the second phase of planned office development at Carrick Street.

If approved, the 17-storey office block will be situated behind the 14-storey phase one building, with construction due to start on that in the first half of 2022.

Learn more >>

£1.3bn Edinburgh Waterfront Scheme Seeks MMC Expert as Development Partner 

The City of Edinburgh Council is looking for a development partner to start a major new regeneration of part of its waterfront. The £170-£190m first phase of the overall Granton Waterfront project requires expertise in sustainability and modern methods of construction.

440 private homes, 200 council homes, 2,000 square metres of private commercial space and 1,000 square metres of public-sector space are being planned, connected by sustainable transport infrastructure and served by low-carbon energy projects.

Read more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

New Sustainability Supply Chain & Stakeholder Workshops announced by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)

As a principal partner of COP26, one of SSEN’s key goals is to build a legacy through their involvement with this crucial summit to create a cleaner, greener future for all of us.

Part of that commitment is to bring industry together who are already powering change through the work they are doing to make net zero a reality.

As such SSEN are supporting industry on the transition to net zero by offering the Climate Academy, a series of six online learning sessions available to charities and businesses across their licence areas.  In partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the Climate Academy will provide a rich knowledge and understanding of climate change issues and what we can do to address them.

Starting on 26 January 2022, the sessions will share insight on safeguarding and enhancing the environment, with an emphasis on education and awareness of climate change. There will also be a strong focus on social inclusion, and creating a more fair, just and inclusive society at local, national and international levels.

The sessions will be “Lunch and Learn” hour long sessions, taking place 12:00pm -13:00pm on the following dates:

Register using the links above to secure your place!

Happy new year! Read on for a quick breakdown of our recent work in the world of Offsite.

Offsite Leadership Group

The Offsite Leadership group convened last month to discuss plans for the year ahead as well as the social value implications of offsite construction, a topic we will be looking into more over the coming months. To find out more, please view the minutes here. We also welcome new partner organisations to the leadership group – so if you think it’s for you, please get in touch.

DfMA Overlay Shorts

All of the DfMA Overlay short videos we produced in association with RIBA have now been released! These provide short introductions to key themes and case studies in the Overlay including procurement, digital, and the implications for architectural practices, and can be viewed on our DfMA webpage. We hope you find them useful and share widely with colleagues.

UKGBC Circular Economy Surveys

As part of UKGBC’s Circular Economy programme, two surveys have been launched: an industry survey gathering data on the carbon impact of circular economy principles, and another targeted at product manufacturers assessing the status quo of circularity and to identify the barriers to circularity they are facing. We encourage any members to complete these, especially those who have implemented circular economy principles and measured/estimated whole life carbon impacts in recent projects. Both surveys close on the 17th January.

Circular Economy Survey

Manufacturer Survey

Upcoming training sessions

  • DfMA for Architects Workshop, Wednesday, 12 January, 1 – 4PM. Register now
  • Decarbonising Precast Concrete – Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Monday, 24 January, 12 – 1PM. Register now

Resources recommended for you this month

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Top stories

Renewable Energy in Wales

The Welsh Government has published the outcome of the exercise to identify opportunities to significantly scale up renewable energy in Wales.

Find out more >>

Safer Building in Wales: A Consultation; A building Safety White Paper

The Welsh Government’s response to Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation. The Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper consultation was published on 12 January 2021. It set out our plans to improve building safety following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, and the policy goals our programme of work is intending to deliver in response to the issues identified by the Hackitt Review, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry and our own Building Safety Expert Group.

Read more >>

Barriers to Innovation in Smart Energy Services for SME’s

SMEs account for 99.9% of the business population of the UK representing a staggering three fifths of employment and half of the turnover of the UK private sector (£2.3 trillion). They contribute a significant amount to overall UK emissions and represent a market opportunity for smarter energy services to help them reduce their energy use and carbon impact.

Learn more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

New Building Regulations Mean Buildings Will Produce 1/3 Less Carbon

New homes and buildings in England will have to produce significantly less CO2 under new rules.  Under the new regulations, CO2 emissions from new build homes must be around 30 per cent lower than current standards and emissions from other new buildings, including offices and shops, must be reduced by 27 per cent.

Find out more >>

Digital Twin Simulation Helps Baristas Make A Perfect Espresso

A century-old Italian maker of high-end coffee machines used digital twins to virtually eliminate physical prototypes and set the stage for IoT*-connected product as a service.

(The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet”.

Learn more >>

Workers Desperate To Return To The Office, Study Finds

The novelty of working from home is wearing off with the majority of employees keen to get back to their desks according to a new survey conducted by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, revealing that 60 per cent of employees expect to get back to full time work this year.

Read more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Second National Infrastructure Assessment: Baseline Report 

This Baseline Report sets out the current state of the UK’s economic infrastructure and identifies key challenges for the coming decades. The Commission will make recommendations to address these challenges in the second National Infrastructure Assessment, to be published in the second half of 2023.

Read more >>

National Infrastructure Commission Announces Net Zero Remit

The new guidance adds a fourth objective to the NIC’s scope of work – to support climate resilience and the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

Find out more >>

Equinor and Cadent Gas Plan ” Hydrogen Town”

Cadent and Equinor have joined forces to realise the ambition of delivering one of the world’s first low carbon Hydrogen Town. The conversion of the gas networks of a town to 100% low carbon hydrogen have the potential to “drastically reduce” the carbon emissions linked to home heating. In turn, this could bring down the overall emissions in the town by around a quarter.

Learn more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

We are pleased to announce that London Square has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

London Square has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome London Square on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

We are pleased to announce that Ervia has become the latest Partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School

Ervia has taken the next step in their sustainability journey and has joined the School as a Partner and to collaborate with their colleagues and drive sustainability across the built environment supply chain.

The School is delighted to welcome Ervia on board and look forward to working with them.

Our Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help us to safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

The School is committed to working alongside our Partners to support us all in our objective to “build back better”.

Find out more:

Top stories

Universal method to report carbon in building and infrastructure launched

An international coalition of construction experts has published the world’s first universal standard for reporting carbon dioxide emissions used in the building and lifecycle of structures – also known as ‘embodied and operational carbon’ within the industry.

Find out more >>

Government ringfences investment in tidal power

The Government  will invest £20m a year in tidal stream electricity as part of its renewable energy auction scheme.

Read more >>

UK will require new homes to have EV chargers starting in 2022

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be required for all new homes and businesses in the UK starting in 2022, the government announced today. The new measure aims to boost EV adoption in the nation by adding up to 145,000 extra charging points each year.

Learn more >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Nature Scot publishes its new draft guidance for comment: Developing with Nature

This guidance has been prepared in support of the draft National Planning Framework 4, to inform understanding of The Scottish Government’s approach set out in Policy 3(e) on the Nature Crisis.  This policy refers to the inclusion of ‘appropriate measures’ to enhance biodiversity for certain local and non-EIA development.  The draft guidance provides advice on 23 such measures, including managing water with nature, providing homes for nature and planting for nature.

Find out more >>

SGN plans accelerated hydrogen roll out

SGN has set out an accelerated pathway for converting Scotland’s gas networks to 100% hydrogen, starting with Aberdeen. The gas network company commissioned consultant Wood to investigate the feasibility of a hydrogen energy system with a view to helping deliver the Scottish government’s target of one million homes having low-carbon heat by 2030.

Read more >>

Edinburgh trams to Newhaven project remains on track

The Trams to Newhaven project remains on track to be completed by Spring 2023, as the City of Edinburgh Council marks the two years point in the projects construction.

Learn more >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

Upcoming virtual training:

Understanding climate change & carbon and the importance to your organisation & customers 

The built environment is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions and reduction has to occur to avoid the worst effects. There is increasing pressure on our industry to ensure that we are reducing carbon in the design, construction and operation of projects, and organisations need to understand how to help their customers meet this challenge.

This workshop will develop your knowledge and skills so that you can support your organisation by assessing and reducing your carbon emissions.

Event Details:

  • DATE: 14th December
  • TIME: 9:30am -12:30pm
  • LOCATION: Online

Register now >>

Top stories

Barratt Developments unveils flagship zero carbon home, ‘Z House’

The Z House, built on University of Salford’s main campus, is the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the Future Homes Standard.

Find out more >>

Boris Johnson confirms mandatory EV charging points for new buildings in England

All new homes and workplaces built in England from 2022 will need to have electric vehicle (EV) charging points as standard, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

Read more >>

Countryside announces net zero strategy

Countryside has launched it’s Net Zero strategy, with an aim for a “swift transition” to a decarbonised economy and society by 2050.

Take a look >>

 

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

 

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

 

Upcoming Homes virtual training:

Transitioning to HVO – Case Study Lunch ‘n’ Learn 

This case study session with leading housebuilder Lovell will cover the implementation of HVO fuel, a direct substitute to red diesel that they have been using to power telehandlers and generators on site.

Join us >>

Delivering Social Value with Keepmoat Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Find out why social value is important to business success at Keepmoat and about social value implications for Keepmoat’s supply chain.

Join us >>

Top stories

Pallet recycling scheme seeks to cut industry waste

BAM, Morgan Sindall and Willmott Dixon are among early backers of a new pallet recycling scheme for the construction industry.

Find out more >>

Balfour secures construction’s largest sustainability-linked loan

Balfour Beatty has secured a sustainability-linked loan it claims is the largest in the construction sector. 

Read more >>

New rules proposed for construction carbon

New regulations should be introduced for construction to avert the risk of missing net-zero goals, the UK Green Building Council has warned. The body’s Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap has called for legislation to limit the damage development does to the environment both in construction and use. 

Take a look >>

 

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

 

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

 

Upcoming construction virtual training:

Sustainable Materials – Lunch ‘n’ Learn

This case study session with leading housebuilder Lovell will cover the implementation of HVO fuel, a direct substitute to red diesel that they have been using to power telehandlers and generators on site.

Join us >>

Setting Science Based Targets – Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Offering you practical guidance on how to set a Science Based Target in your organisation.

Join us >>

 

Top stories

UK Government announces biggest investment into Welsh tidal power

The UK Government will invest £20 million per year across the UK in Tidal Stream electricity as part of its flagship renewable energy auction scheme, kickstarting a brand-new chapter for Wales’s tidal industry and creating jobs across Welsh coastal regions.

Learn more >>

New Stats Show Wales Upholds World Class Recycling Rates

Wales is currently ranked third in the world in recycling. Reducing waste ranks the priority goal- the amount of rubbish ending up in landfill for 2020-21  in Wales dropped to less than 5%.

Find out more >>

£45 Million package to train staff & help Welsh SME’s grow

A £45 million package of funding that will help small businesses across Wales to grow and support thousands of people to train to work in key sectors is being made available by the Welsh Government. As part of the package, £35 million will help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow to help drive Wales’ economic recovery

Read more>>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Reducing carbon emissions through circular economy

The circular economy is to play a critical role in helping to cut carbon emissions. By recycling existing materials the highly energy-intensive production of new raw materials is reduced, accelerating the movement to net zero carbon emissions. What technologies are available to meet the challenges ahead?

Find out more >>

Time to reskill our people to meet the needs of the digital economy

The Autumn Budget presented an opportunity to reshape the economy around technology and scientific innovation and take a proactive approach to reskilling for a digital era. This means upskilling certain areas such as the hospitality area.

Learn more >>

Hybrid Operations

Tom Absalom, Managing Director of JCA discusses the delivery of M&E services that support the operation of hybrid working. 

Read more>>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Marc Roberts, Operations Director at LC International, discusses the six main time stealers found within a construction manufacturing process and outlines how to combat them.

Today, construction is as complex and technologically advanced as it’s ever been. In some areas, in fact, it’s becoming increasingly indistinguishable from manufacturing – and that’s meant thousands of construction businesses are beginning to confront challenges that manufacturers have been tussling with for decades.

Among the biggest is simply wasted time. Here, I want to examine the six most common time-stealers I see sapping productivity at ambitious construction firms around the country.

1: The breakdown loss
Equipment breakdowns cost time and money, stopping the flow of production and creating all sorts of knock-on impacts to lead times, product deadlines and project schedules.

Preventing them is often very simple. Ask yourself – just how reliable is the machinery you’re using? Are you regularly servicing it? In the long run, is it worth investing in new machinery rather than dealing with the aftermath of frequent shutdowns?

There could be some quick and easy fixes to machine-related downtime.

2: The changeover loss
So much time is lost when either a product or shift is being changed over, because everything is put on hold as the equipment is reconfigured, or the new workers prepare for the next shift.

In total, how long do these change overs take per day, week or month? No doubt, valuable time is misspent and could be used elsewhere.

Optimising your workflow to minimise these unwanted and costly disruptions might be a way to save a lot of time and money.

3: Idling and minor stops
Interruptions to work is a classic example of how time can be wasted in a production line. Rather than having everything ready before starting the job, work is stopped to fetch the materials to feed the station.

Maximise the productivity of your team by making sure they have what they need to do their job from the get-go.

It’s a simple solution that can lead to massive time savings.

4: Reduced speed loss
There are two key things to consider when you want to cut reductions in speed – people and machines. A piece of equipment is designed to perform at a certain rate, but if the settings aren’t configured properly, the machine won’t be performing at the level its manufacturers intended.

Address this issue, and you could achieve drastic improvements in performance.

When it comes to the team working on the production line, each member will have a different level of experience. A skilled person who knows the intricacies of the line will understand all the nuances of the job inside and out, compared to someone new.

To prevent reduced speed losses, it’s fundamental that all new recruits complete a comprehensive enrolment programme so that they too can learn the same ‘dark arts’ as the more experienced employees.

The results? Each person can work safely at an equal rate, and deliver exceptional quality.

5: Quality loss
Failing to make products right first time causes delays. Whether it’s issues with the materials supplied, the approved drawings or the machines, consider what can be done to fix things at the source as opposed to just sticking a plaster on the error and making do.

Reduce the number of reworks, or eliminate them completely, by teasing out the root cause of the problem and finding a proper solution.

6: Start-up and set-up loss
The biggest time vacuum on site is start-up and set-up losses. It’s rare to see a project kick-off exactly as scheduled, because the right resources aren’t always ready when they’re given the green light.

Everything should be set up and in place ahead of time so that nothing falls behind and off-track from the critical path of the project.

 

The good news is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to stop these frustrations and unnecessary losses. Understanding what the solutions are and how to apply them can have a real positive impact on the supply chain and manufacturing process, resulting in big savings on time, money and materials.

The School has a wealth of free material available to support you to spot the six time stealers within your organisation, take a look here. We’ve also worked with LC International to secure access for organisations to utilise their CITB levy to pay for Lean Foundations skills training. For more information about how LC International can work with you to spot the six time stealers click here.

The Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Lean and Operational Efficiency Group was established this year to drive the School’s offering around Lean thinking and operational efficiency. Led in Partnership with Lean Construction International, it represents a collaboration of clients, housebuilders, main contractors and materials and service suppliers working together to improve productivity and quality through the adoption of Lean principles and support the development of a better skilled workforce.

There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

This group wants to drive more organisations and individuals to implement Lean ways of working to help them address these challenges. This is across all functional areas and we intend in 2022 to run workshops for specific areas such as accounts or HR.

This year, the key outcomes driven by this group have been:

  • Development of the Introduction to Lean Construction Learning Pathway
  • Updating the School’s offering of Lean resources in our resource library
  • Securing access for organisations to utilise their CITB levy to pay for Lean Foundations skills training
  • Raising awareness of Lean in the built environment and the business benefits of implementing Lean practices, and how the School can support organisations to do so
  • Supporting the National Highways RDP and the Lower Thames Crossing programme
  • Development of a programme of Lean virtual training for School members, including Lunch n Learns and workshops

The group will continue to work together to shape the Lean and Operational Efficiency topic on the School with the next meeting on 26th January 2022. If you would like to be involved in the group, giving you the opportunity to collaborate with other Partners on Lean, or if you’re a member who’d like to find out more, please get in touch with Sophie.

Shaun McCarthy, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, joined Speedy CEO Russell Down, to cut the ribbon and officially open Speedy’s new low carbon innovation and hire centre.

More than 120 construction industry representatives joined equipment and services provider Speedy for the opening of its new Innovation Centre in Milton Keynes; an industry-first low carbon facility that will showcase net-zero equipment and provide an extensive hire range for contractors.

Contractors were able to view the latest sustainable construction equipment demonstrated by Speedy’s suppliers including HiltiMilwaukee and Generac at the new 100,000 sq ft site.

The centre will showcase the latest electric, solar and hydrogen powered technologies that will help to lower contractors’ environmental impact. The site adds to the list of larger new Regional Service Centre’s launched in the past 12 months including sites at Reading, Swindon, Doncaster, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, providing a comprehensive range of hire tools, equipment, plant and powered access under one roof.

All commercial vehicles operating out of the site will be electric or fuelled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which emits up to 90% less CO2e when compared to red diesel, minimising the environmental impact of deliveries.

The centre is powered by 670 solar panels and utilises pioneering bespoke energy efficient lighting and climate control technology. It’s also home to a wellbeing and wildflower garden, an 18-metre living wall and beehives made from repurposed hard hats. The site uses furniture, from desks to garden benches, made from recycled materials to help further lower its environmental impact.

Employing more than 50 staff, the site is strategically located in Milton Keynes to support contractors building the first phase of HS2 from London to Birmingham, and provides low-emission equipment to help meet the project’s sustainability goals, including electric lighting towers and track laying machinery.

Russell Down, Chief Executive at Speedy, said: “Our new Milton Keynes facility represents the gold standard in decarbonised construction hire. This first-of-its-kind facility showcases to industry the innovation that’s driving forward the development of new sustainable technologies, while acting as a blueprint for how we’ll minimise the environmental impact of our hire centres.

“Customers are increasingly scrutinising the sustainability of their supply chains to meet growing demand for low-carbon construction projects. We recognise as a key intermediary our responsibility to enable this transformation, which is why we’re investing millions of pounds across the business to expand our range of eco products, to decarbonise our delivery fleet, and to lower the environmental impact of our facilities.”

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, who officially opened the site alongside Russell Down said: “Speedy’s new centre is an impressive vision for the future of construction – hiring zero-emission equipment from a carbon neutral centre, delivered to site by an electric truck. Seeing a site like this, and the progress being made by manufacturers and intermediaries, proves how decarbonisation can soon be within the industry’s reach.”

Maria Willings, Regional Director for Midlands and Anglia at Speedy said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of the Speedy team in designing our new flagship Regional Service Centre. As well as its low carbon credentials and the ability to showcase the latest in product innovation, it will enhance the customer experience as well as make Speedy a great place to work for our people.” 

Specialist services for lifting equipment, survey requirements, and powered access will also be available from the centre, with a dedicated training suite providing courses including safe working at height, through real-world and virtual technology.

Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from 200 sites across the UK and Ireland [including a number within B&Q stores].

For more information visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/ 

As the World’s leaders gather to address the climate emergency one Wales based steel manufacturer has taken further steps towards helping the construction industry become more sustainable.

Celsa Steel UK, based in Cardiff, has signed up to become a Partner of the award-winning Supply Chain Sustainability School to work in collaboration with the industry towards twin goals – a more sustainable and decarbonised construction sector.

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School said: Celsa Steel UK is the latest large-scale manufacturer to join the School and commit to working with the construction industry to drive forward our goal of creating a more sustainable sector. Celsa’s commitment to creating a circular economy is admirable and we look forward to working in partnership with them both in Wales and across the UK.”

Already focused on creating a truly circular economy through the recycling of scrap metal to create their steel products, Celsa Steel UK is set to push forward ambitious new sustainability plans and targets.

Eoin Bailey, UK Innovation Manager for Celsa Steel said: “At a COP26 event last week the new Chief Sustainability Officer, Juan Carlos Orozco announced the vision for CELSA Group is ‘to be leaders of the CIRCULAR SUPPLY CHAIN to build a NET POSITIVE future’. For CELSA the pathway towards Net Zero and true Circularity are one in the same. In the UK we are certainly making strides from linear to circular. However, we know that true circularity and sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved in isolation, collaboration is the key. Therefore, we are delighted to join the school with hope to developing the collaborative approach that will help us all to build a positive future.”

With more than 50,000 registered learners, the School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, events and networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessment, and a library of over 2,900 online resources.

The School’s Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

To become a Partner of the School visit or to register as a FREE School member, visit.

The UK’s largest distributor of fuel and lubricants has shown its commitment to helping the construction industry become more sustainable by becoming a Partner to the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

Certas Energy, based in Warrington, joins 142 other companies from across the built environment supply chain who are working together through the School to create a more sustainable industry.

“COP 26 has shown, if we didn’t already know, just how vital it is that we address the sustainability challenge in the construction industry”, said Shaun McCarthy OBE, Director and Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School. “The industry has done brilliant work to deliver more sustainable projects but there’s still lots to do. We are delighted to welcome Certas Energy to the School, and we look forward to working with them to help decarbonise the industry and push sustainability to the forefront of delivery.”

Angus Blundell, Director of Corporate Affairs at Certas Energy adds: “We are proud to fuel the future success of our customers by helping them to meet their environmental goals during this important energy transition. We achieve this in diverse ways, from exploring cleaner alternative fuels to providing expert advice on improving fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and navigating legislative changes.”

Angus continues: “We are right there on the journey with our customers, with our own targets of net zero emissions by 2050 and a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. Joining the School expands on and confirms our commitment to these goals, and we look forward to collaborating with other like-minded partners in this next step on our journey. We can’t wait to get started.”

With more than 50,000 registered users, the School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, events and networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessment, and a library of over 2,900 online resources.

The School’s Partner organisations are committed to building sustainability skills and knowledge across the industry. This will help safeguard the future of the UK’s built environment and ensure that it is fairer, greener, and more robust.

To become a Partner of the School visit or to register as a FREE School member, visit.

New DfMA Overlay video content released 

To bring the concepts and case studies in the new DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work to life, we brought together leading minds from the world of DfMA in a series of 10 short films. These accessible, easily digestible videos will be published weekly on our social media and YouTube channels, and cover topics from Procurement to Digital. The first two shorts are now available online – see resource links below – so check them out and spread the word!

Upcoming training sessions…

  • The New RIBA Plan of Work DfMA Overlay – Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Thursday, 11 November, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Register now
  • Offsite for Quantity Surveyors and Cost Consultants Workshop, Thurs 25 November, 9:00 – 12:00. Register now
  • Offsite and MMC Procurement – Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Tuesday, 30 November, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Register now

Digitisation is crucial to the success of Offsite construction and MMC. Check out these sessions to skill up, and make sure you check ‘Digital’ as an interest topic in your personal dashboard settings if you’d like to learn more.

  • How to be a Digital Leader, Friday, 12 November, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Register now
  • Demystifying BIM – Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Wednesday, 24 November, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Register now

Resources recommended for you this month…

NEW: DfMA – Why now? Find out more

NEW: The MMC Categories. Find out more

If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The list of resources will advise you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials.

You can also benchmark your company’s offsite maturity here.

Top stories

Households offered £5,000 grants to swap boilers for heat pumps

Grants of £5,000 will be available to households to replace their gas boiler with a low carbon heat pump as part of efforts to cut emissions from homes.

Find out more >>

UK Government unveils its long-awaited plans for transitioning heat and buildings to net-zero

The Heat and Buildings Strategy outlines the Government’s approach for decarbonising the sector, featuring headline commitments to bring the upfront and operational cost of heat pumps for homes to price parity with gas boilers by 2030. This will lay the foundations for all new domestic home heating systems installed from 2035 to be fossil-fuel-free.

Read more >>

NHBC Foundation launches key advice on Electric Vehicles

The NHBC Foundation has launched a new report advising housebuilders on what they should consider on all new schemes to accommodate electric vehicles (EV’s) as the UK aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

Take a look >>

 

November’s Featured Topic: Climate Change & Carbon

Climate change is the biggest issue of our times and the built environment, including the housebuilding sector, is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions. Reduction in carbon emissions have to occur if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

We have a wealth of resources to help you gain a better understanding of Climate Change and Carbon – take a look:

Introduction to Climate Change and Carbon Footprinting Learning Pathway

This self-enrol learning pathway will provide you with not only the understanding of climate change, carbon emissions and how to identify were they occur, but also the skills to make reduction plans to tackle them and report on your progress to your stakeholders – clients, regulators and colleagues.

Enrol here >>

Decarbonising Construction: Building A New Net Zero Industry

This report from the National Engineering Policy Centre and the Royal Academy of Engineering focuses on four interconnected missions that cut across the whole of the construction sector that require urgent attention to achieve net zero.

Find out more >>

Climate Policy Tracker For Business

This tracker from the We Mean Business coalition provides businesses with up-to-date information on climate regulation; enabling you to build a comprehensive picture of the policies that are directly impacting your operations and value chains.

Get started >>

 

Get ready for COP26 with our Training Pack

To prepare our industry to take action in the year of COP26, we are pleased to provide our Members with a COP26 Training Pack, giving you direct links to free resources and training sessions designed to help your organisation and supply chain gain a better understanding of climate change and carbon.

TAKE A LOOK >>

Top stories

Launch of the Welsh Procurement Policy Note WPPN 09/21: Sourcing Sustainable materials for construction projects in Wales

WPPN 09/21 provides advice to public sector bodies in Wales on how to manage market pressures affecting the availability and affordability of building materials.

Find out more >>

Wales & West Utilities Supports Decarbonisation Cluster in North Wales

School Partner Wales & West Utilities is supporting the HyNet low carbon cluster project in its bid to unlock a low carbon economy in North West England and North Wales and is urging the UK Government to award it ‘Track 1’ status later this month.

Learn more >>

Why Addressing The Need For Green Skills in Wales is Imperative

Wyn Prichard, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Wales discusses the Skills Council with Business Wales . Wyn explains how we must make sure that we keep the improvement in this area over the next few years and not let sustainability slip down the order of priorities.

Read more >>

November’s Featured Topic: Climate Change & Carbon

Climate change is the biggest issue of our times and the built environment is one of the major contributors to carbon emission. Reduction in carbon emissions have to occur if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

We have a wealth of resources to help you gain a better understanding of Climate Change and Carbon – take a look:

Introduction to Climate Change and Carbon Footprinting Learning Pathway

This self-enrol learning pathway will provide you with not only the understanding of climate change, carbon emissions and how to identify were they occur, but also the skills to make reduction plans to tackle them and report on your progress to your stakeholders – clients, regulators and colleagues.

Enrol here >>

Decarbonising Construction: Building A New Net Zero Industry

This report from the National Engineering Policy Centre and the Royal Academy of Engineering focuses on four interconnected missions that cut across the whole of the construction sector that require urgent attention to achieve net zero.

Find out more >>

Climate Policy Tracker For Business

This tracker from the We Mean Business coalition provides businesses with up-to-date information on climate regulation; enabling you to build a comprehensive picture of the policies that are directly impacting your operations and value chains.

Get started >>

National Social Value Conference Wales

This National Social Value Conference is back this November (16th – 17th). This year’s theme will be “Leading the Movement”, encouraging businesses and communities across Wales to lead the way in the delivery of Social Value in Wales. Hear from David Emery, Sector Manager of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in Wales at the conference.

To find out more and to register click here.

Top stories

Workplace Sensors Reveal Geographical Trends For Office Visits

The latest office occupancy data from workplace technology company Freespace has revealed obvious geographical differences for preferred days of the week to visit the office.

Find out more >>

Green Building Council Publishes Guidance for LA’s On New Commercial Buildings

New guidelines have been published by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) to help local authorities drive up the sustainability of new commercial buildings.

Read more >>

New IFMA Research Advisory Committee Focuses On The Future Of FM

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has created a new Research Advisory Committee to help reshape the built environment through a future-oriented research agenda.

Learn more >>

November’s Featured Topic: Climate Change & Carbon

Climate change is the biggest issue of our times and the built environment is one of the major contributors to carbon emission. Reduction in carbon emissions have to occur if we are to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

We have a wealth of resources to help you gain a better understanding of Climate Change and Carbon – take a look:

Introduction to Climate Change and Carbon Footprinting Learning Pathway

This self-enrol learning pathway will provide you with not only the understanding of climate change, carbon emissions and how to identify were they occur, but also the skills to make reduction plans to tackle them and report on your progress to your stakeholders – clients, regulators and colleagues.

Enrol here >>

Decarbonising Construction: Building A New Net Zero Industry

This report from the National Engineering Policy Centre and the Royal Academy of Engineering focuses on four interconnected missions that cut across the whole of the construction sector that require urgent attention to achieve net zero.

Find out more >>

Climate Policy Tracker For Business

This tracker from the We Mean Business coalition provides businesses with up-to-date information on climate regulation; enabling you to build a comprehensive picture of the policies that are directly impacting your operations and value chains.

Get started >>

Measuring & Managing Carbon Lunch ‘n’ Learn

This Lunch ‘n’ Learn will provide you with the knowledge and tools to help you to address the issue of measuring, reporting and managing greenhouse gas emissions. This introductory session will focus on the principles of carbon reporting within your organisation and supply chain.

Collecting and reporting sustainability data is becoming increasingly common, as organisations and their clients seek to quantify, reduce and effectively communicate their impact on climate change.

This session – run by Charles Naud, product manager of Action Sustainability’s reporting system Sustainability Tool– will explore a key framework behind measuring carbon emissions and how to effectively manage performance within your organisation and supply chain.

EVENT DETAILS:

  • DATE: 8th November 2021
  • TIME: 12:00pm -13:00pm
  • LOCATION: Online
Register for FREE now >>